The guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery spend five hours each day getting their uniforms ready. Once on duty, the guard walks exactly 21 steps, turns and walks another 21 steps (similar to a 21-gun salute). Guards memorize the names of 175 notable people buried in Arlington Cemetery. When Hurricane Isabel approached, Congress adjourned and the guards were given permission to take a day off. They respectfully declined, and in drenching rain and high winds continued their watch. Oh, that soldiers of the cross would have that level of commitment.
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